Bespoke Sunshine Coast tailor gives new life to old memories

Adam Johnson was just 13 when his father, a New South Wales police officer, died of cancer.

All Mr Johnson was left with was his war medals and a police hat, which he stored on a shelf, a shed and even a shoebox.

“Due to a family breakdown, this heirloom of my father was one of two things that I own [of him],” he said.

“I don’t have any photos, I can’t remember his voice.

“The police hat has seen no love for 30-odd years, no love, no respect, no care.”

When Mr Johnson had the opportunity for the hat to be pulled apart with a scalpel and made into a dress shirt, he was initially “horrified”.

But he finally trusted bespoke clothier Pete Trimble with his treasure.